Dental implants need stable bone support. When a tooth has been missing for a long time, when infection has damaged the area, or when gum disease has caused bone loss, the implant plan may need to account for that missing support.
Bone grafting is not a punishment or an upsell. In the right case, it is part of creating a healthier foundation for the future tooth.
Why bone changes after tooth loss
The jawbone is stimulated by natural tooth roots. After a tooth is removed, the bone in that area can shrink over time. The amount of change depends on the location, the reason the tooth was lost, and the patient's health.
A 3D scan helps evaluate bone height, width, and nearby anatomy before implant placement.
When grafting may be recommended
Bone grafting may be considered after an extraction, before implant placement, or at the time of implant placement. The goal is to support the future implant and create a more stable long-term result.
Not every patient needs grafting. Some patients have enough bone for straightforward implant placement.
What affects healing
Healing depends on oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes control, infection, bite forces, and the size of the defect. Dr. Sran reviews these factors before recommending a timeline.
If you have been told you do not have enough bone for implants, Astra Dental can evaluate the area and explain whether grafting, staged care, or another option makes sense.